5. AWKWARD MORNING
The soft morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. Aarvi slowly opened her eyes, expecting to see Vivan , but the bed was empty. A quiet unease settled in her chest as she sat up, brushing stray strands of hair from her face.
A gentle knock at the door pulled her attention. "Aarvi... beta, are you awake?" Pragya's voice called from the other side. Aarvi quickly composed herself and opened the door, finding Pragya standing there with a neatly folded saree and a small box of jewelry in her hands.
"Good morning, Aarvi," Pragya said with a warm smile. "It's time to get ready. I brought your saree and some jewelry. get ready fast and come downstairs we have some rituals left to do."
Aarvi nodded softly, taking the saree and jewelry from Pragya.
She excused herself and went about her morning routine, trying to keep her mind calm.
After finishing her bath, she stepped out of the bathroom wearing only a petticoat and blouse, carrying the delicate saree into the room.
She began draping it carefully around herself, conscious that if she tried to wear it in the bathroom, it might get wet.
Lost in her thoughts, Aarvi didn't notice the door slowly creak open. Her heart skipped a beat when she realized Vivan was standing there, his eyes widening in shock at the sight before him. Aarvi froze, the saree clutched tightly in front of her, cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Vivan's gaze immediately dropped to the floor, avoiding her eyes, a faint flush creeping over his face. Aarvi, equally flustered, stammered, trying to explain herself.
"I... I was just... I mean... I thought-" her voice trailed off, flustered and awkward. "I was only wearing it here because if I wore it in the bathroom, it might get wet."
For a long moment, silence filled the room. Vivan swallowed hard, his fists clenching at his sides. Every instinct told him to turn away, to walk out, to not let her presence affect him. Yet, he said in a low voice before he could stop it.
"You don't need to explain every little thing to me," he muttered, still not looking at her. "Just... be careful."
Aarvi blinked, startled. She had expected anger, maybe even mockery.
"I'm sorry..." she whispered, pulling the saree more tightly around her frame, guilt lacing her tone though she had done nothing wrong.
Vivan finally glanced at her, only for a second, before turning his face away.
Without another word, he stepped back, his voice rough but softer than usual.
"I'll wait outside. Lock the door while you change."
And just like that, he walked out, shutting the door behind him. Aarvi stood frozen, her heart thudding in her chest.
Vivan leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair. His jaw clenched.
"This is not good" he thought, "everything's essed up" he closed his eyes.
Just then he heard footsteps approached him, he opened his eyes.
"Bhai!" Prisha's mischievous voice broke the quiet. She and Vedant came up the corridor together, eyes lighting up when they saw Vivan standing outside his room.
"Why are you waiting outside your own room?" Vedant smirked knowingly. "Don't tell me Bhabhi locked you out already?"
Prisha giggled, adding fuel, "Or maybe... she's showing her haq (right) on you, Bhai. First night ke baad hi band baaja baja diya!"
Vivan's brows snapped together as he shot them both a glare. "Shut up, both of you."
But that only encouraged them. Vedant leaned casually against the wall, grinning. "Come on, Bhai... admit it. You saw her getting ready, didn't you? That's why you're standing here."
Prisha clasped her hands dramatically. "Aww, Bhai is blushing! Our stone-hearted Vivan actually blushed for the first time!"
"ENOUGH!" Vivan's sharp tone cut through their laughter, his eyes flashing irritation. "Don't you both have anything better to do? Stop your nonsense and go."
Prisha and Vedant exchanged a quick glance, their smirks softening into grins. They mumbled a half-hearted "sorry" before moving down the hallway, still whispering and giggling to each other.
Vivan shut his eyes for a moment, his jaw tightening.
Aarvi, meanwhile, adjusted the final pleats of her saree inside the room, her fingers still trembling slightly.
She had no idea of the scene outside, no idea that Vivan's siblings had caught a glimpse of the awkward moment between them.
All she knew was that the day had only just begun.
.. and already her heart felt far too restless.